Anyone can review a restaurant, but we never talk about the unsung hero of public dining: the bathrooms. I’ve inched my way across Gwinnett in search of the bathrooms that go above and beyond, creating a space of relaxation and wonder. These restaurants put in a little extra care to make using the restroom a part of the complete experience, taking the opportunity to show their guests another level of consideration and creativity. The locations below are in no particular order: they’re all number one in my heart.
Umaido: A Lap of Luxury
2790 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024
This Suwanee ramen shop knows how to pack a punch without letting presentation get in the way of quality, and their bathrooms are no exception. Walking into this space I found a toned-down aesthetic that still remains faithful to the design and decor of the restaurant as a whole. During my visit, the conventional ambient music of your average restroom was replaced by groovy anime soundtracks, perfectly pairing with the various characters drawn on the wall of Umaido’s dining room by guests over the years. The highlight of the visit was the toilet itself, with heated seats and a remote-operated bidet. This porcelain throne was the thing that secured Umaido a spot on this list. Its comfort and functionality are truly unmatched.
Two Cities Pizza: A Pocket Universe
3433 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024
My excitement about this restroom began with the sign: large subway-style iconography and lettering guiding you to your destination as though you were rushing to hop on the next train. This serves as the ideal primer, leading you into a bathroom that is dedicated to representing its inspirations well. The mirror is shaped like a subway window, little hand hooks hang from the ceiling, and the wall next to the sink has a map of New York’s subway system. This restroom blew me away with its execution of a creative concept that perfectly matches the restaurant’s inspirations.
LR Burger: A Neon Wonderland
3151 Main St, Duluth, GA 30096
Stepping into this restroom is a transportive experience. The tiles on the walls and floor are fun and creative, prompting guests to use this time to ponder the abstract concepts of life while completing a mundane task. The red lighting makes this space an escape from reality, where I could go to shed the weight of the world and take comfort in the affectionate praise put upon me by the neon signs that coat the room in its signature scarlet hues. To the naked eye, the signs were backward but they became legible in the mirror as I washed my hands. Both were delightful double entendres: one with the short and sweet “Nice Buns”, the other offering the body-positive “Suns Out Buns Out”. I never knew furniture could be so flirty.
Wei: A Touch of Flair
3320 Buford Dr #40, Buford, GA 30519
There are many places to use the bathroom in and around the Mall of Georgia, and Wei is no exception. The sculpted, waving wall decor speaks of a bathroom with an elevated character without being overwhelming to the eyes. The abstract, almost Dadaist faucet stands out as something worth visiting for. Its angular, side-pouring faucet and metal dial give guests a break from the boring two-handled sink with a basic arched spout, and the sink’s depth gave me plenty of space to wash up without water spilling around.